さようなら
sayōnara[sa̠jo̞ːna̠ɾa̠]
The Japanese phrase for "goodbye formally" is さようなら (sayōnara).
さようなら is a formal way to say goodbye. It is often used when you may not see the person for a long time or when parting ways indefinitely. Other formal expressions: お疲れ様です conveys respect and acknowledges someone's hard work and is commonly used in professional settings, while 失礼します can be used to apologize politely for leaving and is commonly used when departing from a formal gathering or event.
Which one should you use?
In casual settings with friends, Japanese speakers are much more likely to use じゃあね rather than the formal さようなら.
Did you know?
- The phrase さようなら literally translates to 'If it is so' or 'If that is the case'.
- Because さようなら implies a sense of finality or a long-term parting, using it with a close friend can actually sound cold or even like you are breaking up with them.
- In very formal contexts, 失礼します literally means 'I am being rude', turning the act of leaving into a polite apology for disturbing the other person's space.
Examples in context
- 先生、さようなら。Sensei, sayounara.Goodbye, teacher.
- それでは、さようなら。Sore deva, sayounara.Well then, goodbye.
Example conversation
Himi and Ren are leaving a formal meeting.
- 陽葵 Himari今日はありがとうございました。さようなら。Kyou wa arigatou gozaimashita. Sayounara.Thank you for today. Goodbye.
- 蓮 Renこちらこそ。さようなら。Kochira koso. Sayounara.Likewise. Goodbye.
- 陽葵 Himariお気をつけてお帰りください。Oki wo tsukete okaeri kudasai.Please get home safely.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry さようなら, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries さようなら, CC BY-SA 4.0.
